Buck 110 MagnaCut Review: A Limited-Edition Classic with Modern Steel

Introduction

Buck’s 110 is one of the most recognizable traditional folding knives ever made, and until recently it had never been offered in MagnaCut steel. The first limited release sold out almost instantly, and a follow-up run appeared only recently. Only 1,000 of these knives exist in total, and once they are gone, that is the end of the line.

What makes this release notable is the collaboration behind it. Laren Thomas, the primary creator of MagnaCut blade steel, helped Buck develop a custom heat treatment for this run. That combination of a classic American design and a modern premium steel is the whole reason this knife is worth talking about.

Who This Knife Is For

This is still a classic Buck knife at heart. It uses the traditional formula long-time fans expect: a cocoa bolo wooden handle, brass bolsters, and a standard back lock. If you have handled a Buck 110 before, the layout will feel immediately familiar.

The difference is the blade steel and the sizing. This version runs smaller than the standard 110, and that matters for carry. The full-size 110 has always felt like a knife that needs to be your only carry piece because it weighs about as much as a multi-tool. This smaller variant is light enough to pair alongside other everyday items, which makes it far more practical as a secondary knife.

One modification worth noting: the example tested had a small thumb stud attached to enable one-handed opening. Out of the box, this is a two-handed traditional opener, so plan accordingly if quick deployment matters to you.

Main Strengths

The knife came sharp out of the box. It was not quite as scary sharp as some premium factory edges, but it was certainly very serviceable and ready to use immediately. The blade features a belt satin grind, and the tang carries a small glasses icon marking the MagnaCut steel nerd connection, with Buck USA on the reverse. It is made in America.

The price positioning is also a genuine strength. The previous limited Buck 110 release cost over $300, while this one came in at around $150. For a MagnaCut Buck made in the USA with a custom heat treatment from the steel’s creator, that feels like fair value.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The included leather slip pouch is the weak point. It relies on a very thin steel clip for pocket carry, and it broke during basic retention testing after being bent only slightly. Even before breaking, retention was so low that the knife would slide out the moment you reached for it. A stronger clip, such as an UltiClip, would have made this accessory far more useful.

The good news is that the knife itself fits well into small organizers. It slots nicely into a slim wallet-style organizer, and with cards in place it should hold securely. If pocket carry is your goal, plan to buy or use a separate quality carrier rather than relying on the included slip.

Two smaller nitpicks: closing one-handed is possible but requires bracing the knife against your body, and the lock lacks a half-stop position. Even though this is a lockback rather than a true slip joint, the strong spring tension pushing the blade closed makes a half-stop something many owners would appreciate.

Buying Advice

If you want a MagnaCut Buck knife made in the United States, this may be your only realistic chance to get one. With only 1,000 units in existence and the earlier run vanishing almost instantly, availability is the defining factor here, not specs.

Check current stock before assuming you can find one later. Previous limited Buck 110 releases have not reappeared anywhere, and this run is finite by design. If the price of roughly $150 fits your budget and you value the traditional design paired with modern steel, the case for buying now rather than waiting is strong.

Conclusion

The Buck 110 MagnaCut is a likeable, compact traditional folder that combines familiar Buck craftsmanship with genuinely modern blade steel, developed with input from the steel’s own creator. The included slip pouch is disappointing and the lack of a half-stop is a minor annoyance, but neither undermines the core appeal. For collectors and traditional knife fans, this is a limited opportunity that is easy to recommend.